Page 87 of Near Pemberley

“I am not persuaded that removing her immediately would be best.”

Both Gardiners looked at him in surprise.

“She is among people she trusts at the moment. Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley have shown her great kindness. She has begun to feel secure there.” He paused. “Another sudden removal might do her more harm than good. At least at this time.”

Mrs. Gardiner’s expression softened. “She has been very distressed?”

“Yes.”

The answer was simple. Nothing more was required.

“I would not wish to separate her from those who have helped her before she is ready.”

Gardiner exchanged a glance with his wife. “That is reasonable,” he admitted reluctantly.

Mrs. Gardiner nodded. “But may we see her?”

“Certainly.”

Some of the tension left her face at once. “Then I should like to do so as soon as possible.”

“You shall be welcome.”

Another silence followed. This one was more thoughtful than distressed.

At length, Darcy said, “There is another consideration.”

Gardiner looked up.

“When I find Mr. Wickham… I do not believe making him marry Miss Lydia is the right thing to do.”

Gardiner stared at him. “You astonish me, sir.”

“Perhaps. But I have had many years in which to observe Mr. Wickham’s character. I would sooner see him prevented from harming others than rewarded with a wife he neither deserves nor values. My chief concern is that he should never be at liberty to repeat such conduct.”

Neither Mr. Gardiner nor his wife spoke. It was Mrs. Gardiner who recovered first. “Not marry her?”

“No. I have not discussed it with Miss Lydia, but the man has abandoned her with no care for what would happen to her. He even left her without paying for their accommodation.”

“Oh no!”

“The wastrel.”

“But her reputation…” Mrs. Gardiner began after the shock.

“I am aware of the consequences.”

Gardiner frowned. “Then I do not understand.”

Darcy was silent for a moment. “At present, Miss Lydia believes herself ruined. Yet she is not…”

“She is not?”

“No, Mrs. Gardiner. And I see no justice in binding her for life to a man who has already demonstrated precisely what sort of husband he would be.”

Mrs. Gardiner lowered her eyes. “And if society demands it? The other girls…”

A faint weariness crossed Darcy’s face. “Society often demands things which are neither wise nor humane. Especially of women.”